Star Trek: Voyager (1995–2001): Season 3, Episode 13 - Fair Trade - full transcript

Mr Tuvok! Mr Tuvok!

I was supposed to accompany you
on security rounds. Did you forget?

We had a definite appointment?

I'm sure it was definite.
Well, maybe not completely definite.

But I'd expressed my desire
to learn the ropes.

I have completed my study
of security protocols.

I'm fully qualified to serve as a Starfleet
security officer. Junior grade.

I did not guarantee you a position.

But Voyager is a ship of opportunity.

That is true. But opportunities
for promotion must be earned.

I've been working hard at this.



I feel I have a great deal to contribute
to Voyager beyond my current role.

Your dedication is duly noted.

If you'll excuse me,
I am due on the bridge.

I'll see you tomorrow morning
for security rounds.

Ensign Vorik.

Get me a duotronic probe.
I can't regulate the plasma flow.

You might find a gravitic caliper
a more precise instrument.

Good idea. But bring me both.

Good morning. You missed
my special Klingon breakfast buffet.

A bowl of cold gagh is not my idea
of how to start a morning.

None of the crew seemed
especially enthusiastic about it.

What's the problem
with the plasma injectors?

I've been studying
Federation warp propulsion.

The plasma flow in the manifold
is constricted.



You could phase-lock them
to the dilithium matrix.

That was the first thing I did.

I'm interested in learning more
about engineering systems,

maybe even volunteering
for a few shifts.

I have a couple of questions
about the impulse response filters.

Neelix, this really isn't a good time.

I understand. Sorry.

I'll just watch for a while,
if you don't mind.

Here are the tools, sir.

I had a question
about transporter buffers.

- Mr Neelix, please report to the bridge.
- On my way, Captain.

Neelix, we're approaching
some kind of interstellar dust clouds.

Can you tell us anything about them?
They look ominous.

I believe this is a region of space
known as the Nekrit Expanse.

What can you tell us
about this Expanse, Mr Neelix?

It's a vast territory.

No one knows much about it.

The plasma storms may be a problem.

Full sensor scan, Tuvok.

Can we go around it?

It's advisable.

But it's thousands of light years wide.

Then we'll have to go through it.

We'll be counting on your knowledge

even more than usual, Neelix.

I'm at your command, as always.

Are there planets for taking on supplies?

There is a supply depot for mining
and trading ships.

I suggest we stop there

before we go into the Nekrit Expanse.

What are the coordinates?

Let's see... It's actually been a while.

I have the station on sensors.

3.4 light years away.

Heading 071, mark 17.

- You heard him, Tom.
- On our way.

- We're being hailed, Captain.
- On screen.

I'm Captain Kathryn Janeway

of the Federation starship Voyager.

Bahrat, manager of this station.

Your station is a
trading outpost, isn't it?

I'd like permission to negotiate
for supplies.

Granted.

But any transaction you negotiate

on this station is subject to my approval.

I receive a 20% commission
on all trade.

Your whereabouts will be monitored,

as will communications with your ship,

at my discretion.

- Do you agree to these conditions?
- Evidently I have no choice.

Meet me in my office in one hour
and we'll discuss your needs.

Pleasant fellow.

Neelix, Chakotay, Tom, you're with me.

- Mr Bahrat.
- What is it?

I'm Kathryn Janeway.

I brought a list
of the supplies we'll need.

It's demanding work
watching over this station.

- We get all kinds of troublemakers here.
- I understand.

All right. Let's see it.

Hm.

Mm-hm. Hm?

- Pergium.
- For our environmental controls.

That might be difficult.
It's a rare commodity.

I'll put together a list
of potential suppliers.

But I'll warn you.
They won't strike easy bargains.

- I'm prepared to deal fairly.
- Hm.

Good day, gentlemen.

Anything in particular
you're looking for?

We were hoping to find
some magnetic spindle bearings.

Spindle bearings...
No, can't help you with that.

- Long voyage ahead?
- Uh... you could say that.

I have something that might
ease your journey considerably.

Rhuludian crystals.
Ingesting just one of these

will make days of tedious travel
seem like moments of exquisite rapture.

- No, thank you.
- The price is...

No.

Nice place.

I see you're a map dealer.

I have charts for local mining colonies.

I'm interested in maps
of the Nekrit Expanse.

You must be a stranger here
or you'd know there aren't any.

Surely there's a chart or a database
to help me plot a safe course.

The Nekrit Expanse
is too unstable to chart.

No matter. He never could plot
a straight course anyway.

Wixiban?

Wix? Is that you?

I can't believe it!

What are you doing here?

I've never seen another Talaxian
this far from home.

I'm one of the crew
of a highly advanced starship.

Aah. I want to hear all about it.

Come on. The tavern serves
the best Toffa ale I've had in years.

I do a little of everything -
cook, guide, adviser to the captain,

possibly even an unofficial ambassador.

- Ho, ho. Life's been good to you.
- Yes, I'm very, very lucky.

Hm. What are you doing on this station?

A little of this, a little of that.

To tell you the truth, things
haven't gone quite so well for me.

I'm sorry.

Ever since that nasty business with
the Ubeans, things have been difficult.

But you know me.
Can't keep Wix down long.

I'm working on a trade deal that should
put me right back in the thick of things.

I hope it works out.

Uh, Wix... about the Ubeans...

I don't think I ever told you
how much I valued what you did.

- You'd have done the same for me.
- Yes, I would have.

But you were the one who got caught.

I owe you a great deal.
If there's anything I can do to help...

I'm fine. Honestly.

Maybe not on the crew
of a magnificent starship, but I'll get by.

To tell you the truth,
it's not quite what I told you.

In fact, I may not be
on Voyager much longer.

Why?

The main reason Captain Janeway
needed me was as a guide,

to give her information
about this quadrant.

But I've never been beyond
the Nekrit Expanse.

But your other jobs - cook, ambassador.

They don't really need a cook.

And I don't think our captain
really requires an ambassador.

I've tried to find some other area
where I might be useful but...

the truth is, I'm not needed.

I'm hoping you can help me.

I can't let Voyager go into that place
without an idea of what's there.

I have to find a map.

Hm...

- Can I be of help?
- Dinner isn't for another hour.

- I don't have time to make a snack.
- I don't require food.

I'm here to adjust the control interface
on your replicators.

- You're having difficulties with them?
- Oh. Of course. Go ahead.

Neelix, I thought you'd like to say hello
to your old friend.

Well uh... yes. Yes, of course!

So, this is where you prepare
your legendary feasts.

Commander, Neelix has more varied
talents than anyone I've ever known.

You're lucky to have him.

Mr Wix found those
magnetic spindle bearings we wanted.

I don't know what
we'd have done otherwise.

Wix has always had a knack
for finding those hard-to-locate items.

I'll let you reminisce for a while.
Thanks, Wix.

- You're welcome.
- This is the mess room.

On any given day I must be prepared
to feed over 100 people.

- About done, Ensign?
- Not quite.

I don't need the replicators today
so you can finish later.

- As you wish.
- And remind Lieutenant Torres...

I'd still like to go over
a few things with her.

- I'll relay the message.
- Thank you.

Wix...

Please tell me those spindle bearings
weren't stolen.

Of course not! I wouldn't do that to you.

Neelix, I need the work. I don't live
on a comfortable starship.

No one looks out for me except me.
Maybe you've forgotten how that feels.

I haven't forgotten.

I've been stuck on that space station
for three years.

My ship's been impounded. I can't
afford to pay Bahrat to get it back.

Do you begrudge me an opportunity
to make a fair trade?

- Of course not.
- I have news for you.

- I've located some pergium.
- That's great news.

- Captain Janeway hasn't.
- And I've found a map.

- Wonderful! How do we get it?
- It will involve some bartering.

I sell medical supplies to an outpost

whose people are dying
of a lung disease.

It's a good cause and it will make me
enough to get my ship back.

Where does the map come in?

When I deliver the medical supplies,
a physician will give me a chart.

I can't thank you enough.

I'll have to ask your help.

We'll need a shuttle. First we'll have
to pick up the medical supplies,

then we'll meet with one of
the physicians from the outpost.

With your transporter technology,
we could be in and out within minutes.

Then I could get back
to a Talaxian colony.

I don't think that would be a problem.

Just one thing. Don't tell anyone
that we're delivering medical supplies.

Not one person. If Bahrat finds out,
he'll take 20%. I can't afford that.

I suppose there's no need to mention it.

Thanks, Neelix.
I knew I could count on you.

Didn't I tell you this would be easy?

I got the medical supplies and you got
the pergium your ship needs.

Only 20 kilograms.
I told Chakotay it would be 45.

You're lucky to get what you did.

Come on, Neelix.
A few minutes more and we'll be done.

And you'll have a map to help you
through the Nekrit Expanse.

What is the matter with you?

I don't like keeping the whole truth
from Commander Chakotay.

You were never so squeamish
about twisting the truth.

Wix, I'm not what I used to be.

Neither am I.
We've both tried to change our lives.

You've done it.
Now I have the same chance.

We're almost there. We should have
your transporter take us to corridor 14L.

It's hardly ever used.
Our contact will meet us there.

We're within transporter range.
I've entered the coordinates.

- What are you doing?
- This station is a dangerous place.

We have to be able to defend ourselves.

- You said this would be easy.
- It's just a precaution.

- Let's go.
- Computer, energise.

- Where's your contact?
- He'll be here, don't worry.

I don't like meeting in dark
passageways late at night.

Wix.

Sutok.

This is my associate.

- Do you have the supplies?
- As promised.

What's he doing?

- Satisfied?
- Completely.

What kind of medical supplies
are those?

If you give me my payment,
we'll be on our way.

Yes. I have it right here.

- Stop them!
- Get his weapon.

Wix!

Someone's coming!

Neelix!

- Get us out of here.
- Computer, two to beam up.

You lied from the beginning,
and I was foolish enough to believe you.

It should have been easy. I didn't know
Sutok would try to steal the tubes.

Those aren't ordinary medical supplies.

They do have a medicinal application

but no one would pay what I was
supposed to get for simple medications.

They're narcotics, aren't they?

You're up to your same old tricks.

We have to talk to Captain Janeway.

Do you really want to do that?

How will it look when they find out
you were a contraband smuggler

and you were involved
in this business tonight?

You think your position on Voyager
is precarious now?

Wait till they discover
the whole truth about you.

I can't just forget about this.

You'd let Bahrat put me
in cryostatic suspension?

I guess you would. You did let me
spend a year in that Ubean prison.

I never told you what it was like
in there... Eating worms to stay alive.

Sleeping in a cell where
the vermin chew on you all night.

- Being punished in unimaginable ways.
- All right!

I won't say anything.

But I don't want to have anything more
to do with you. The debt is paid.

Captain's log, supplemental.

I've called a meeting
to inform the senior staff

of some disturbing news
I have just received.

There's been a murder
aboard the station.

- Murder?
- That's not an uncommon occurrence.

The man who died has been suspected
of criminal activity.

Mr Bahrat discovered something at
the scene of the killing that concerns me.

I discovered some energy readings
I couldn't identify,

so I ran a spectral analysis.

He showed me the analysis
a few minutes ago.

It's a Federation phaser signature.

Tuvok will be assisting
in the investigation.

I want to know how a weapon from
Voyager could have been involved.

The shooting took place
in an abandoned section.

Security scanners were disabled.

I'm reviewing
other surveillance records,

looking for anything that might help me
apprehend whoever did this.

I've promised Mr Bahrat
the full cooperation of this crew.

Dismissed.

- You wanted to see me?
- Please, sit down.

I examined the scene of the shooting
and confirmed the weapon signature.

14 Voyager crew members
were off the ship at the time.

I see.

Several traders from the station
were aboard Voyager.

It is possible that one of them
managed to steal a phaser.

I suppose so.

- What can you tell me about Wixiban?
- Wix?

He was aboard Voyager.

Yes, he delivered
some magnetic bearings.

We're acquaintances, not friends.
I haven't seen him in years.

Has he ever been involved in crime?

I-I wouldn't know.
I certainly don't think so.

I must question him
and I want you to accompany me.

Me? What could I do?

You can help me evaluate his answers.

I see.

Please meet me
in transporter room 2 at 1800.

How much time did you spend
aboard Voyager?

Probably less than an hour altogether.

- Were you ever alone?
- No.

I was met by Mr Chakotay
in your transporter room.

Extraordinary experience,
that transporter of yours.

We delivered the bearings
to Lieutenant Torres,

then we paid a visit to my old friend
Neelix in your mess hall.

Where were you
at the time of the shooting?

In bed. Asleep.

- Can anyone corroborate that?
- Alas, Mr Tuvok, I sleep alone.

That will be all for now, Mr Wix.

I'd like to stay for a glass of Toffa ale.

As you wish. But please see me
as soon as you return to the ship.

I'd forgotten how
easy it is for you to lie.

You think I should I tell him the truth?

Vulcans aren't as easily fooled
as you might think.

If you want to worry,
I'll give you something to worry about.

What?

The people I was conducting
that transaction for

aren't happy that they didn't get paid.

- I thought this was your scheme.
- I couldn't afford those tubes.

I was acting as an agent
for some Kolaati traders.

Do you know anything about the
Kolaati? They're mean as fire snakes.

They will kill us and it won't be quick.

I can't believe this is happening.
Why did I ever listen to you?

It's all right.

I've convinced them
to take something else in payment.

They know about Voyager. They want
a sample of your ship's warp plasma.

They'll use it to increase
the efficiency of their engines.

No. It's wrong. I won't do it.
This has to stop.

You should have thought of that before.
You're in too deeply.

The people on Voyager are my friends.
I can't steal from them.

Friends? You've already told me
they're ready to put you off the ship.

You're living in a dream world.
It's time to wake up.

You're on your own, just as I am.

You're going to die
at the hands of the Kolaati

unless you bring them
three grams of warp plasma.

Do you understand that?
I've already told them you'd do it.

Meet me here tomorrow morning
at 0900 hours.

- Hey, Neelix. What's up?
- Oh, nothing.

Just thought I might give you a hand
with whatever it is you're doing.

You may regret that.

We have to pick up a supply
of biomimetic gel tomorrow morning.

I'm trying to find the container that is
listed as the proper transport device.

Starfleet standard issue, L647X7.

Sounds like another set of eyes
wouldn't hurt.

M34. No, not that one.

L647. No, it's Y6.

Tom...

If it's not too bold,
could I ask you something?

Sure. Anything.

I've heard you were in some trouble
in the past. Spent time in prison.

That's right.

Do you... Would you...
tell me how you got in trouble?

I've thought a lot about that.

It comes down to one simple fact.
I didn't tell the truth.

I made a mistake,
which happens to people.

But if I'd admitted that mistake,
it would have been better.

But I lied about it,
and it nearly ruined my life.

- Why do you ask?
- Oh, no reason.

Just wondered.

Here's your container.

A bunch of us are going down
to the resort. Why don't you come?

Thanks, but I'm going to turn in early.
Maybe another time.

OK.

- Good evening, Ensign.
- Mr Neelix.

I thought I'd log a little time
in the Jefferies tubes.

You're officially
on an engineering work detail?

No, but Lieutenant Torres
has been good enough to allow me

to poke around here and there.

She mentioned your desire
to become familiar with engineering.

I see no reason why you can't proceed.

- Ensign Vorik.
- Yes, Mr Neelix.

You're quite young.

Is it difficult for you being so far away
from everything that's familiar?

I might not have chosen
to explore the Delta Quadrant.

However, since we are here,
I must say the challenges are intriguing.

Voyager is a wonderful place to be.
People here are very fortunate.

I would concur.

- Where is it?
- I have to talk to you.

- Give it to me.
- I didn't get the warp plasma.

- What?
- I couldn't do it. I just couldn't.

We have to tell the truth.
It's the only way to make things right.

- We're dead men, Neelix.
- No. I have a plan.

You two! Stay where you are!

Don't panic. Stay calm.

I said stay where you are!

- What is this?
- You two are under arrest.

- Arrest?
- What's the charge?

Conspiring with known drug traffickers.
And murder.

Let's go!

This is the criminal who was killed,
and these are the two men we arrested.

You can't regard this
as viable evidence.

I realise it's circumstantial,
but it is compelling.

- It proves nothing.
- Your men talked to a narcotics dealer

hours before he was killed.

That proves nothing.

I'm holding them for questioning.
They are prime suspects.

I want my security officer present
during all interrogations.

I'll take that into consideration.

Someone will serve 50 years
of cryostatic suspension for that murder.

If I were to let this go unpunished,
there would be anarchy.

You make no mistake about this.

I won't allow men to be condemned
for a crime they did not commit.

We have to go to Bahrat.

We'll end up in his cryostatic prison
for decades.

- Not if he agrees to my plan.
- Your plan is crazy.

It's a death sentence.

That would be better than living a lie.
I'm going whether you do or not.

Neelix!

We've been through too much together.
I can't let you do this alone.

A type-2 Federation phaser was used.

It's on one of our shuttles. You can get it
and verify the energy signature.

- Which of you fired the weapon?
- We were both involved.

I was the one with the weapon,
but I fired in self-defence.

So Commander Chakotay
and Lieutenant Paris are innocent.

The punishment for trafficking
in illicit substances

is 50 years of cryostatic imprisonment.

Your cryostatic prison isn't a particularly
effective deterrent, is it?

It certainly is. Very little narcotics
trafficking goes on here.

That's what you think. The Kolaati
have made a fortune trading drugs here.

- I know everything that happens here.
- Apparently not.

We were able to deliver narcotics
to known criminals right under your nose.

They can disable
your surveillance systems,

masking your sensors,
creating false visuals.

- It happens almost every night.
- I'll put a stop to that.

Since you don't know how they do it,
that might prove difficult.

But we have a plan.

The Kolaati want a sample
of warp plasma from Voyager.

I'll arrange a meeting with them.
When they arrive, we'll arrest them.

How do you plan to do that?
You won't be able to carry weapons.

And if they thought my men and I
were near, they'd be gone in a second.

We have some ideas.

If we are able to turn them over to you,

will you agree
not to charge us with the crime?

It's no risk to me.

You'll undoubtedly perish
in this ridiculous scheme.

You'll have to give us warp plasma.
I won't take it from Voyager.

- It won't be of the same quality.
- Doesn't matter. We'll make do.

All right. We'll try it.

But I don't hold any hopes
that you will survive.

- It's been 20 minutes. Where are they?
- They should be here.

Maybe they've realised it's a trap.

- Maybe they won't show up.
- Let's hope they do.

Somebody's begun transmitting
a false visual signal.

My guess is
they are about to come aboard.

We'll give them five minutes,
and then move in.

- It's Tosin.
- Who?

One of the most powerful Kolaati.

- Good evening. My name is...
- The warp plasma.

- Where is it?
- It's right here.

- But you must guarantee...
- You'll live for today.

No guarantees about tomorrow.
Give me the plasma. Slowly.

20 parts per million isonucleic residue.

This is contaminated.
You promised me a pure sample.

It doesn't matter,
because you're under arrest.

- What?
- You're being taken into custody.

For smuggling contraband
and narcotic substances.

Very serious offences
aboard this station, Mr Tosin.

It's time you faced up to that.

- Little man, your days have ended.
- I wouldn't fire that if I were you.

That plasma canister. I disengaged
the safety nodes as you came in.

Even as we speak,
warp plasma is leaking from it.

This section of the station
is filling with plasma particles.

Fire your weapon, and the explosion
will undoubtedly kill us all.

He's telling the truth. Don't do it.

And I wouldn't activate
your transporter system if I were you.

The beam would also destabilise
the plasma. Same effect. Boom.

Then you will die with me, little man.

No problem at all, if it means getting rid
of an Orillian lung maggot like you.

Go ahead. You'd be doing me a favour.
I have nothing to lose.

- Fire away.
- Neelix!

Shoot! What are you waiting for?

Fire!

- Re-engage the safety nodes.
- Don't bother. Put down your weapons.

You're under arrest for violating
station code 4279, subsection Beta 325.

No, don't!

- I'm in sickbay?
- Yes, Mr Neelix.

You sustained plasma burns
and concussion.

My skills have prevented you
from suffering permanent damage.

- Thank you, Doctor.
- One of the criminals was killed.

The others have been taken
into custody.

- Chakotay and Tom were released.
- Oh, good.

- And Wix?
- He was given his shuttle.

He sent you his thanks before leaving.

Would all of you excuse us, please?
I'd like to talk to Neelix.

Do you have anything to say
for yourself?

Only that I'm terribly sorry.

You're sorry. Is that supposed
to make everything better?

I don't care whether you're sorry or not.
It doesn't matter.

I can't imagine why you behaved
the way you did,

lying to us,
sneaking around behind our backs,

covering up criminal activity.

Did you think
this was acceptable behaviour?

No, ma'am.

You've been
one of my most trusted advisors.

How can I ever trust you again?

How can I ever listen to you without
wondering if you're telling the truth?

I've never been dishonest
to you before, I swear, Captain.

I just took one step, a step
that seemed perfectly reasonable.

That step led to another, and then I was
involved in something I couldn't handle.

What was so important that you were
willing to throw away your principles?

- I needed a map.
- A map?

My usefulness to you was at an end.

I don't know anything about space
beyond this point.

You couldn't go into the Nekrit Expanse
without knowing what you faced.

You've been on this ship for two years.

You should know that the first duty
of any Starfleet officer is the truth.

You violated that duty, Neelix.

And there will be consequences.

- I'm prepared to leave the ship.
- Oh, no. It's not that easy.

You can't just walk away
because you made a mistake.

You're part of a family now
and you have obligations.

But I can't guide you. I can't advise you.
I don't know what's coming.

That's not the point, is it?

None of us knows what's coming.
That's what Starfleet is all about.

We are all in this together and we have
to be able to count on each other.

- Do you understand?
- Yes. Yes, I do.

That's good. Report to deuterium
maintenance at 0400 tomorrow.

You're going to spend two weeks
scrubbing the exhaust manifolds.

That should give you time to think about
what I've said. Dismissed.